Our History

itrod has evolved almost by accident. It all began in 2005 with a wooden hut, a fridge and a kettle.

Mike and Julie Nelson who live at Haytongate (situated on Hadrian’s Wall) began selling refreshments to walkers soon after The Hadrian’s Wall National Trial opened in 2004. Customers help themselves to cold drinks and snacks and use the self-serve facilities (kettle!) to make hot drinks. Payment is made via the ‘honesty box’ in the shed.

Walkers from all over the world have enjoyed the facility and are often bewildered (and heartened) by the honesty box arrangement. The walls of the shed are adorned with messages of encouragement, advice, jokes, drawings and inner thoughts, even some in Latin!

In 2007 a range of Hadrian’s Wall t-shirts were introduced and soon became ‘must have’ souvenirs for Hadrian’s Wall walkers. The range was called ITROD.

In 2011 Gelt Gifts (which is run by Mike and operates from Haytonagte) decided to expand the ITROD range of Hadrian’s Wall souvenirs and also to produce a few items for other Long Distance Walks.

Our aim is to constantly expand and improve the choice of products. Many of the items are produced at Haytongate so we can be fairly flexible regarding the introduction of new ideas. Do let us know if you have an idea of something you would buy!